— American Suzuki Motor Corporation, which distributes autos, motorcycles, ATVs, and marine products in the United States, has decided to stop all marketing and distribution of autos within the continental U.S.
Suzuki said they are unable to maintain profitability in the U.S. auto business and will need to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy to stay afloat. Suzuki placed some of the blame on what they called “stringent U.S. environmental and safety regulations.”
Suzuki will redirect all of its resources to its motorcycle, ATV and marine products businesses, which have more of a possibility of making a profit.
Suzuki says that auto owners shouldn’t worry much about the transition because although dealers won’t be selling vehicles, all dealerships will be turned into a network of authorized service and parts dealers to fully honor all warranties and make service and parts available to customers nationwide.
As of September 30, 2012, Suzuki was in debt by $346 million, $173 million of which is owed to Suzuki group companies.
Suzuki never did really take off in the U.S. auto market like other Asian companies, but CarComplaints.com still managed to hear from many upset Suzuki owners about everything from engine problems to grinding brakes. The Suzuki Grand Vitara currently has the greatest number of complaints followed closely by the Suzuki Forenza.
Check out owner reviews of the following Suzuki vehicles: Aerio - DL1000 - Escudo - Esteem - Forenza - Grand Vitara - Kizashi - Margalla - Maruti - Reno - Samurai - Sidekick - Swift - SX4 - Verona - Vitara - XL-7 - XL7.